S) " 8 I said to them, 'We according to our ability have redeemed our Jewish brothers who were sold to the nations; now would you even sell your brothers that they may be sold to us?' Then they were silent and could not find a word to say."
Nehemiah 5:8 (NASB)
O) The nobles of the people were exacting usuries from them, causing destitution in some cases. There was already a famine, and there was an influx of people in the city working, and yet these nobles and rulers were oppressing their own people, just as their enemies would. Nehemiah's question was rhetorical, but the fact that no one could even say a word, makes it clear that there was no excuse. These nobles and rulers were treating their countrymen as enemies, as if they themselves had not just experienced the same exile as the rest of the people. They lacked compassion, understanding, and empathy. Thankfully, they heeded the words of Nehemiah (and his example), and the usury was abolished.
A) In my own life, I seldom have opportunities to make this same mistake, exactly. I am not wealthy, relative to contemporary measure. However, the root of this story, is that these people were treating their brothers as enemies. Unfortunately, I must confess, I have sinned in that way (even if the details are different). Remembering that my Christian brothers and sisters (and biological ones!) have an enemy already, is a stark reminder that I am siding with my own enemy by mistreating them. When I snap at someone in anger, or ignore someone in bitterness, or take any other opposing stance toward a brother or sister, then I am siding with the devil, who is also my own mortal enemy. Understanding that dynamic, seeing the reality of the situation, is convicting and sobering.
P) Father, whenever I consider my sins, Your holiness and grace become magnified. I know there have been times when I have acted as the enemy would, against brothers and sisters. Realizing that, makes me sick. Please keep my eyes open to see when my emotions are tempting me to act like a devil. The people I love already have a mortal enemy in satan. The very last thing I ever want, is to be used for his purposes because of my sins against others. Open my ears to hear, and when I sin in such a way, convict me immediately. Let me be humble at all times, and quickly repent of this sin of selfishness, anger, and hate. Let me walk in the Spirit, to bear the fruit of patience, peace, and love. Be glorified in my treatment of my brothers and sisters. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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